How To Pick the Right Teacher Training Course
With a multitude of yoga teacher training (YTT) courses available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are 9 important questions that you should consider/ask before choosing one.
1. Ensure Personal Time with Lead Trainers
When choosing a YTT course, make sure the course director is actively involved in your training. You should have opportunities for personal interaction to ask questions, resolve concerns, and deepen your understanding. Faculty should be present and accessible throughout the course to support your learning and help you integrate key concepts.
2. Do Research on the Instructors
Take time to learn about the YTT faculty—their teaching experience, background, and who trained them. Ideally, they should have years of experience working with a diverse range of students. Try attending their public classes or watching online sessions to see if their teaching style resonates with you, as this will influence your own approach to teaching.
3. Look into How they Teach Anatomy
While yoga philosophy is essential, a strong grasp of anatomy and biomechanics is equally important. You’ll be working with varied body types and potential injuries, so your training should include a thorough anatomy component. This knowledge is key to keeping your future students safe and helping them move effectively and mindfully.
4. Research the Yoga School’s Background
Look into the history, heritage, and lineage of the yoga school you're considering. Find out who the faculty are and explore their individual backgrounds. Read reviews and, if possible, speak to past students to get a sense of their experience.
5. Evaluate the Course Syllabus for Subjects' Balance
All accredited 200-hour YTT programs must meet minimum standards across key areas like anatomy, sequencing, history, and philosophy. However, each school will have its own emphasis or lineage.
For example, if you're drawn to detailed asana work, a spiritually-focused course may not suit you. Conversely, if you're passionate about yoga philosophy, a heavily anatomy-based program might feel lacking.
Request a copy of the curriculum and ask how hours are distributed across subjects if it's not clearly advertised.
6. Consider Class Size
Think about what learning environment suits you best. Larger courses may offer less personal attention, while smaller groups (10–20 students) often foster a more intimate, supportive dynamic and allow for more direct interaction with lead teachers.
7. Consider Free Time and Extra Activities
It’s important to have downtime during your training to relax, reflect, and connect with fellow students. A well-paced schedule with space to enjoy the surroundings and engage in optional activities can enhance your overall experience. Time away from the shala is often just as valuable as time spent in it.
8. Choose a Course with Clear Entry Requirements
Choose a YTT program with clear entry criteria to ensure students have a similar level of experience. This helps create a balanced learning environment where everyone progresses together, avoiding mismatches between beginners and advanced practitioners.
9. Confirm Certification is not Earned by Merely Showing up
Be wary of programs that offer certification simply for attending or paying. A quality YTT should include clear evaluation criteria to ensure students have genuinely engaged with the material. Certification should reflect effort, understanding, and growth—not just participation.